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Lens appoint former player to replace coach Papin

RC Lens appointed Jean-Guy Wallemme as the club's new coach in replacement of Jean-Pierre Papin (photo), who was sacked following their relegation to Ligue 2. An emblematic player for Lens, Wallemme spent 13 years at the northern club.

Jean-Guy Wallemme was named RC Lens coach for their first season in Ligue 2 in 18 years, replacing Jean-Pierre Papin, the club said on their Web site.

Wallemme, 40, played as a centre back for Lens from 1986 to 1998, when he captained the club to their only league title, and returned for one season in 2001. He has had coaching stints at St Etienne, Ligue 2 side FC Rouen and third division Paris FC.